Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Cats and fireworks

Fireworks and cats ... they just do not mix. At best, you end up with a frightened cat sat in the window seat and wonder what's going on. More likely, you do not have a cat hid under the bed, ready for a good time to the surface, or a manic cat runs around the house, looking for shelter, far, far away from the noise.
New Year's Eve, Bonfire Night and other places where fireworks are used, are hard times for cats. It does not help that there are always people who start lighting fireworks, long before the special date for their use. Not for people who just do not seem to stop name, and the light they provide for a long time afterwards.
If your cat access to the outside world, make sure to keep them inside for special nights when fireworks are expected. It is a disturbing thoughts about your cat outside on a hill, hidden in the bushes, because they are too afraid to dash back home. Lure them in with a treat, a good time before the worst to expect, and then block the cat flap, and give your cats some peace of mind for their safety.
If you have a good relationship with neighbors, it can not hurt, a word with them. If you ask them kindly not to light fireworks, when they see the cats on the road, I'm sure they'll be nice. Especially if you mention that you have them safely on the actual night. It's a fair deal, after all, and most people love animals and would not intentionally hurt or scared.
On the night itself, you could play some soothing music. Alternatively you can click on the TV. background can help your cat to distract from the Big Bang to the outside.
Close the window and, if possible, close the curtains. This will help your cat feel shielded away from what is going on. Talk to them, stroking her trying to reassure that all is well.
This does not mean you can not go and enjoy. You can light fireworks yourself if you so (and if it is allowed where you live, of course) want to do. If you want to light fireworks, try to be brief, as you can. And it is better to go for the beautiful fireworks, such as flares and fountains, rather than ones that sound like big explosions.
If you are absent during this time, ask a relative or friend on the lights when it gets dark. Or make them yourself when you just for the night. Have the radio on quietly enough not to disturb the neighbors, but loud enough to provide background. Make sure the litter box is clean, and that's enough food and water.
If your cat has some shelter, it may be helpful, the food, water and soil in the neighborhood instead. This allows your cat a quick dash for when they need to make. It can prevent the risk of contamination of fear is hard to reach places.
The best thing to do, of course, your cat companion at this time and for any comfort to offer. Their presence will automatically calm your cat, that everything will be fine. After all, if you are good and quiet, they are.

No comments:

Post a Comment